Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF RURAL WOMEN NEW ZEALAND • ISSUE No.2 May 2006
What an Achievement!
We celebrated our 80th birthday as an organisation with a glittering Achievement Awards ceremony at Government House
on 15 March. Over 120 guests attended the function , which was hosted by Her Excellency the Governor General, Dame
Silvia Cartwright, who impressed all with her graciousness as she presented the winners with a commemorative brooch and
certificate.
(l to r) RWNZ President Sherrill Dackers, Hon Lianne Dalziel Minister of Women’s Affairs, Dame Silvia Cartwright, Hon.
Damien O’Connor Minister for Rural Affairs, winners Amy Jones, June Haultain, Lorna Anderson, Jocelyn Fannin, Ngaire
Ericksen, Joyce Wyllie and Rene Martin, Awards judge Tom Lambie.
www - Will We Win - with unbundling? But perhaps fears about the effects of unbundling on rural
Mobile phones and the internet are part of the daily lives of people are something of a red-herring. Given New Zealand’s
most urban people. But lack of coverage, extremely slow geographical terrain and the distances involved, receiving
download speeds, interference from electric fences and the broadband through the copper wire network is never going to
unavailability of broadband have meant rural New Zealanders be the total answer. Other technologies, such as wireless and
are being left further and further behind with technology in satellite broadband are likely to become more important in
an ever-widening “digital divide”. the delivery of phone, internet and even TV services to rural
communities. Between these two delivery methods, and with
We now hear that Telecom’s copper wire network is going to be the launch of the new Ipstar satellite late last year, there is
opened up or ‘unbundled’, so that other telecommunications already 100% broadband coverage and prices have tumbled
companies will be able to have access to the ‘local loop’ and in recent months.
be able provide their own services through the network. The
jury is out on what this will mean for rural communities. At Whatever the method of delivery, and whether by competition
worst it could mean even greater focus on the more lucrative or regulation, the Government must ensure that the
urban market, where the costs per customer are much lower. telecommunications needs of the rural sector are brought up
At best, it could mean the opening up of the rural market to to scratch and that broadband is available at the same speeds
increased investment and more choice for customers. and the same prices as in the cities.
b r a nch new s
Farmsmart offers free computer courses
If you are keen to learn to use a computer or improve your
computer skills, a Farmsmart computer course might be the fitness challenge
answer. Farmsmart courses are free and cater for complete
Macraes Flat branch RWNZ members and friends
beginners through to experienced users who would like to add
recently biked the Otago Central Rail Trail, in all its
to their knowledge.
autumn splendour, for fun, fitness and friendship.
The courses are divided into modules that provide credits
towards a Certificate in Computing. The modules include basic This 150km trail was opened in February 2000 and
computing, using internet and email, introductory courses on was the first of it’s kind in New Zealand. It follows
databases and spreadsheets, as well as website creation. the former Otago Central branch railway line from
Middlemarch to Clyde.
As a student you can study in your own time, in your own home,
while some polytechnics around the country also offer face-to- Past president, Ellen Ramsay, says she and other
face courses (for a full list of polytechnic providers go to www. members enjoyed spectacular views and many
farmsmart.ac.nz.) historic attractions, including three tunnels, two
impressive viaducts and the delights of classic
RWNZ member Ann Rawson of Te Awamutu first heard about
country pubs and B&Bs.
Farmsmart at our Dunedin conference last year. She originally
took a course at the local intermediate school and now studies The rail trail has also given a boost to many small
at home. communities along the way, providing meals
“I have contacted the tutor by email when I was having a problem and accommodation and valuable employment
and they always seemed to be there to help,” says Ann. “The opportunities.
best part is you don’t have to leave the house if you don’t want
to.” Ann is able to study at her own pace, to fit around her busy
lifestyle. “I am taking my time doing the course, but anybody
who is at home and wants to fill in their time could do it quite
quickly and easily.”
People in the Waikato, Coromandel, King Country and Taranaki
districts may also have the opportunity to begin their Farmsmart
course on the mobile ‘Artechmobile’ bus, which travels around
rural locations, spending a week at each site. (The 2006 schedule
is on the members’ page of our website www.ruralwomen.org
– or contact RWNZ’s National Office for details). On your bike! Ellen Ramsay (left) and friends at Omakau Flat
The bus is an initiative of the Waikato Institute of Technology,
(Wintec), which sees the mobile classroom as an important point Tirau footpath gallery project
of contact with its rural clients. The bus has been operating as
Piako-Waikato East Provincial sponsored the second biennial
Tirau footpatch gallery project at the end of March. Over three
days 19 colourful works were produced by artists in the streets
of the rural south-Waikato town.
o ur peo pl e
South Raft Race Welsh pony fan
When the Wharepapa South branch of Rural Women New Rangiwaea Branch member Robin Collier has a
Zealand organised a raft race recently, the local community passion for breeding Welsh ponies that goes back
met the challenge with great enthusiasm. Twelve rafts lined to her childhood.
up at the start at Blumers Landing with their captains and Now her services to the Welsh Pony and Cob Society
teams ready for action. have been recognised in Cardiff, Wales, when she
was presented with Honorary Life membership at
the Society’s recent AGM.
This is a huge and unexpected honour for Robin, as
the Welsh Pony and Cob Society has only awarded
40 life memberships worldwide during its 104-year
history, and Robin is only the second New Zealander
to receive the award.
Robin’s love of Welsh ponies began when her father
imported some of the first stud stock to be brought
to this country and she’s been involved with the
Welsh Pony and Cob Society of New Zealand since
its inception 40 years ago, serving as vice president
and two terms as president, as well its secretary for
the last 18 years.
She has one of several studs throughout the country and
has sold ponies both here and in Australia.
Great ingenuity, creative flair and energy had gone into
building the rafts. Empty drench containers had been taped
together, while wool phages, old gates on top of 44 gallon
drums, inner tubes, pallets and so much more was used to
create rafts that would hopefully stay afloat.
The competition was fierce. Sibling and neighbourhood rivalry
was rife. The “Fluffy Floaters” all-women team of Jackie
Wellington, Deb Hinde, Dagmar Elliott and Deirdre Cameron,
looking dazzling in black and white fluffy wigs, set a cracking
pace, but were pipped to the post by a team riding the “Tubular
Terminator”, a deceptively simple yet effective raft made of
plastic tubes lashed together outrigger style, ridden to victory
by a team of Peter Elliott and sons Nick and Tom, with Mike
“The ponies are a traditional breed, very versatile and
Fullerton-Smith and his children Sam and Blaire.
excellent for riding,” she says.
Such community fun days are becoming a regular feature of
this branch of RWNZ. “We have a membership drive on to
increase the numbers of our branch” says President Pru Fieten.
Standards Council appointment
Membership has nearly doubled in the past four months as the Congratulations to Ellen Ramsay, our past-President, who
branch shows it’s unique approach to strengthening its rural has recently been re-appointed to the Standards Council.
community. “It is rewarding to be able to provide a vehicle Commerce Minister Lianne Dalziel announced the re-
for the local community to get together.” And a very unusual appointment alongside that of John Albertson, Richard Gibbons
vehicle at that! and Carol Stigley, saying “They have my full confidence and
also the support of several industry bodies which re-nominated
them to their positions.” The Standards Council’s primary
Visiting Wellington? functions are to develop standards to improve safety, quality,
prosperity and convenience.
Stay at
Honda House
Members’ milestones
Bed and Breakfast
The commitment and dedication of two Mahoe branch
32 Hawkestone Street, Thorndon members is acknowledged this month. Shirley Butler joined
WDFF as a junior member nearly 60 years ago in 1947 and is
Tel: (04) 473 7670 now a life member of Mahoe branch of RWNZ. Ruth Johnson
is a member of honour, who has supported Mahoe branch for
or go to www.ruralwomen.org 50 years.
hondahouse@xtra.co.nz Meanwhile Sally Gallagher of Skinner Road branch in central
Meeting facilities, guest kitchen, laundry, lounge Taranaki turned 95 years old in April. She joined the branch
in 1936 and is still an active member.
noticeboard
The Health Select Committee is currently holding an inquiry International Day fell on 4 May with the country
into obesity and type 2 diabetes in New Zealand, which of study this year being Brazil. Rangiwaea branch
reflects the undesirable ‘growth’ our nation. The problem of members were delighted to welcome Brazilian
obesity is even affecting our young children. woman Melissa to their May meeting to hear about
Modern sedentary lifestyles featuring computers, vehicles her country.
and lack of exercise, compounded by sweet or fatty processed Melissa and her
foods and bigger servings, are a recipe for disaster in terms husband Polo
of our health. were brought out
Obesity is a risk factor for a number of diseases including to New Zealand
diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, 12 months ago on a
osteoarthritis and even some cancers, with cardiovascular Fonterra exchange,
disease now the leading cause of death in this country, which has been so
accounting for 40% of deaths (10,500) annually. A New successful their
Zealander dies from heart attack every 90 minutes. visas have just
been extended for
It’s food for thought isn’t it? But the answers to the problem a further 12 month
are not rocket science. Most of us know what we should period. Married
be doing - it’s more a case of stopping to think twice about just two wee ks
what we eat and feed our families, how we can build more before coming
exercise into our lives and educating our children about here, they are
healthy lifestyles. currently working
on a dairy farm at
So instead of takeaways, how about home-made hamburgers, Scotts Ferry and
made with good quality meat? What about switching off the enjoy the challenge of milking 1400 cows, with Melissa
television or computer for the evening and playing games also raising 140 calves.
with the kids instead? The Heart Foundation and SPARC can
provide lots more information and ideas - check out www. Melissa said she and Polo notice many similarities
heartfoundation.org.nz and www.sparc.org..nz or give them to home but also vast differences. The population
a call. of Brazil is 185 million, and there are 27 states. The
biggest urban centre is Sao Paulo with a population of 20
Garden Problem Solver million.
Brazil is the most heavily populated country in South America
Yates has updated its easy-reference guide to plant problems
and is the fifth largest in the world. It has extensive agricultural
in New Zealand gardens, which was originally published in
land and rain forests. It borders every South American nation
1990 as Yates Garden Doctor. This edition, known as the Yates
except Chile and Equador. Like New Zealand it is not self-
Garden Problem Solver, will help unravel the mysteries of
sufficient, and imports goods from Uruguay and Argentina.
whatever’s ailing any plant in your garden, tubs or vegetable plot.
It also exports a wide range of goods including aeroplanes,
This is a small, soft-cover coffee, iron ore, textiles and electrical equipment.
publication divided into colour-
Rangiwaea member Jocelyn Fannin says “Melissa’s talk was a
coded sections for easy reference.
fascinating insight into a very different country, and Rangiwaea
It looks at a wide number of
members were delighted to have her come.”
common disorders affecting
flowers, fruit, vegetables, shrubs
and trees.
Somes Island outing not for
The book is easy to read, with a
simple, uncluttered layout and the faint-hearted
clear hand-painted illustrations
of all the nasty things that can go Seven members of Upper Hutt branch got more than they had
wrong when insects and diseases bargained for recently when they left Petone for a picnic trip
attack your much-loved plants. to Matiu/Somes Island, a scientific and historic reserve in the
Wellington harbour.
And for every problem identified,
there’s a short, simple solution The day started out warm and calm and the group listened to
offered. an interesting talk by the DoC ranger on the island’s history and
its wildlife, before setting off to walk along the coastal track.
There is a separate section on the trials of seed germination, Half way round the temperature dropped and a southerly gale
followed by another on weeds (no problems with germination
blew up with squalls of cold rain. The group boarded the boat
there!). Other chapters cover insects, flowers, trees, shrubs
to return to Petone, but due to rough seas it couldn’t berth and
and lawns, vegetables and herbs, and fruit.
they were diverted to Wellington before being shuttled back
We have five copies of the Yates Problem Solver to give away to their cars in Petone.
to our members. Please write your name and address on the
back of an envelope and send to Yates Garden Problem Solver, But Rural Women members are a staunch bunch and branch
Rural Women New Zealand, PO Box 12-021, Wellington before secretary Eunice Ross says “I personally found the whole day
30 June. full of fun and new experiences, even the boat trip.”
So that’s where you start! Barbara Ward and Trisha Fisk try their
hand at shearing
Official Journal of Rural Women New Zealand • PO Box 12021, Wellington • Tel 04 473 5524 • Fax 04 472 8946
Editor: Head Office, PO Box 12021 Wellington • Printer: Precise Print, Paraparaumu